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Aubertine: Short term jobs will have a 10-year impact on region in terms of aid, representation

ALBANY (February 25, 2010)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine said today that more than 1,000 jobs to help administer the 2010 U.S. Census are available in Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. One-Stop Career Centers throughout the region are currently testing for these jobs.

Joining the Department of Labor, the Governor and the New York State Senate, Sen. Aubertine is encouraging all residents interested in these jobs to apply and take the test. These jobs are temporary, but offer wages of $9.75 to $15.75 for 25 to 30 hours per week to help ensure that every New Yorker is counted in the 2010 Census. According to the state Department of Labor, about 500 jobs are available in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, with another 200 available in Oswego County.

“Short term, these are jobs which will help many struggling to make ends meet earn good wages, but long term, the results of this Census will help determine our future as a region,” Sen. Aubertine said. “The results of the Census will help determine what level of representation we have as a state in Congress and what federal funding will be available for roads, housing, schools and public safety. Make no mistake, the Census matters for Central and Northern New York and we must do all we can to count everyone. These jobs are available and people are needed to do this important work.”

Every ten years, the Census Department counts the people in each state. This census count helps decide how many representatives New York will have. It also determines how the federal government allots funds to states and communities. For each person counted in the region, New York receives some $1,500 in federal funds per year over the next ten years. For every person not counted, the region will lose $15,000 in federal funds over the same period.

Census takers play a vital role in counting New Yorkers. They find households, check address lists, interview people and record answers. They usually work in their own neighborhoods or communities, most often at night and on weekends.